Coming Out - Is it Necessary?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Obi on July 22, 2008 at 5:04pm

Hmm, I think it's necessary. We shouldn't feel repressed as atheists, and I think coming out and engaging in meaningful discussion will do well for those who were doubting, but just didn't have the fortitude to "make the leap" away from religion. No evangelical proselytizing or fear/guilt-mongering, just reasoned discussion.

Permalink Reply by Brad Feaker on July 22, 2008 at 5:11pm

I think it is necessary. George H W Bush once stated that atheists shouldn't be full citizens and could not be patriotic. There is safety in numbers and education. When people figure out that atheists don't eat babies for breakfast (only dinner dammit!) maybe we can earn a little tolerance.

Permalink Reply by Brad Feaker on July 23, 2008 at 9:45am

Ben,

I found that my friends (with the exception of a couple of fundies) could have cared less that I was an atheist. The only really bad reaction I got was from my Mom. I think there are a lot more 'closet' atheists around than anyone knows.

Permalink Reply by The Nerd on July 23, 2008 at 11:37am

Same here. It seems the closer I am to people, the more freaked out they get that I won't be with them in heaven. Understandable, but selfish just the same. They fail to realize that this "tough love" myth that's going around isn't really love at all. Just a poor justification for being rude.

I agree that there are closet atheists, and I wish they would come out and play. Actually, I used to seriously believe (subconciously, anyway) that I was the only one who had ever left Christianity (other than child molesters/criminals). Then I stumbled upon de-conversion.com, and realized I was just cut off. Of course nobody in my circles talk about it, because it's embarassing to the church when a good person leaves.

Permalink Reply by Brad Feaker on July 23, 2008 at 11:41am

It is funny that not a single person from my former church even visited me after I left. And in a way - I am glad. The 'I will pray for you' thing gets old. And I too wish more people would 'come out' - but I understand why they do not. It take a lot of patience and intestinal fortitude to be openly atheist in the South.

Permalink Reply by The Nerd on July 23, 2008 at 12:31pm

I got not one email, not one phone call... I don't think anyone has even noticed my absence!

Permalink Reply by Brad Feaker on July 23, 2008 at 4:19pm

That's the best one yet - ooh you are possessed! Did you spew green pea soup on him I hope :-)

Permalink Reply by The Nerd on July 25, 2008 at 4:49pm

Awesome!

Permalink Reply by Goz on July 29, 2008 at 2:23pm

A friend told me I was going to hell and she was sorry I would not be in heaven with her...Don't cha just love their arrogance and self-righteousness?
Strangely,I stopped going to church when I was 13 and never really thought of it other than church was so boring and such a waste of a lovely day.
I agree more of us need to stand up to the bible-thumper s and indicate we are not going to take their abuse anymore.

Permalink Reply by Rose Schwartz on July 25, 2008 at 2:10pm

For some, its a very difficult process, for other it is not. In hopes of making the idea "normal", I think its important to some degree. Even for those who have always been "out", I think it can only help to have one place with all stories on coming out or what its like to be an atheist in society today. It's something that has helped strengthen the LBGT community, so why not with us?

Permalink Reply by The Nerd on July 29, 2008 at 9:00pm

My boss sends religious office email. I hate it, but if I bring it up, I'll become the anti-christ. It's just a no-win situation.

Permalink Reply by Rikk on August 4, 2008 at 2:56pm

I say YES! Stand up and be proud of who you are!

I do respect other's views but if someone asks I have no problem saying what I

think,if we act like we are afraid we will never get any respect.

Of course, some people simply can't, because of threat of bodily harm or

thier financial situation. Some of these "good christian people" are nothing more

than cold blooded sociopaths,I know,I've dealt with a few death threats myself.

Funny thing though, when push comes to shove they're not near as anxious to

"go to heaven" as they say they are.

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